1956

43A-1067128

In 1956 there was a re-match between Eisenhower and Stevenson, despite initial indecision on both sides over accepting the nomination. "Ike" ran on his record of the peace and prosperity that the country had enjoyed during his first term. 

The Republicans waged an active campaign to project the image of the "New Nixon"; however, he was seen as the candidate for the "Fat Cats" of big business ( 43A-1067128, 43B-1067129).

43B-1067129

Stevenson is pictured as a reconstructed "Humpty-Dumpty" here, referring to his defeat in 1952 (43C-1067130). But he is also supported in this familiar type of cartoon (43D-1067131). His efforts to stimulate the American people and to draw the Republican candidate into debate on the issues of foreign policy, Eisenhower's fitness for leadership and aid for public schools all met with failure. Eisenhower answered with slogans such as "America is happier than it was four years ago," which carried more weight with the American people than any rational appeal. And yet the country elected a Democratic Congress: Ike's coattails were not strong enough to pull the GOP to Washington with him. The American people voted for the man, not the party.